Leap-1A gets FAA-EASA OK

The CFM Leap-1A turbofan has gained joint certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency, clearing the engine to power the Airbus A320neo in revenue service in mid-2016. Airbus expects to gain certification of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-powered A320neo by the end of this year. With the Leap-1A's simultaneous FAA and EASA approval, CFM stands as the only engine manufacturer to gain dual original certification from both agencies, it said. Typically, a lead agency issues type certification and the second agency validates it. The Leap-1A flew for the first time on the Airbus A320neo on May 19, 2015. A second aircraft was added to the test program in September and, to date, the two airplanes have logged a combined total of more than 140 flights and 360 hours of flight testing. CFM International is a joint venture of Snecma (Safran) of France and GE of the United States. (Source: AIN, 11/20/15) Gulf Coast note: Airbus is building the A320 series of jetliners in Mobile, Ala.